Fundamentals of Care: A Textbook for Health and Social Care Assistants

Fundamentals of Care is an accessible introductory textbook for all health care assistants; assistant practitioners and social care support workers who are undertaking the newly introduced, mandatory Care Certificate, as well as offering a resource for providing care and support.

Practically focused, each chapter begins with the outcomes associated with each standard, which helps contextualise and focus the reader on the content and relevance to the Care Certificate. The book also includes exercises to encourage the reader to stop, look, listen and act, thinking cap activity promotes further thinking and application to care and support provision along with case studies and resource files.

Written to help the reader come to terms with the role and function of the heath and care assistants, Fundamentals of Care offers support to those undertaking the Care Certificate and to assist those who already work as health and care assistants, helping them in their quest to enhance safe and effective care.

Preface

How to use your textbook

Chapter 1. Health and social care provision in the UK

Chapter 2. Working with others, team work

Chapter 3. Understanding Your Role

Chapter 4. Your Personal Development

Chapter 5. Duty of Care

Chapter 6. Equality and Diversity

Chapter 7. Working in a Person–Centred Way

Chapter 8. Communication

Chapter 9. Privacy and Dignity

Chapter 10. Fluids and Nutrition

Chapter 11. Awareness of Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Disability

Chapter 12. Safeguarding Adults

Chapter 13. Safeguarding Children

Chapter 14. Basic Life Support

Chapter 15. Health and Safety

Chapter 16. Handling Information

Chapter 17. Infection Prevention and Control

Chapter 18. Questions You Always Wanted to Ask

Annotated bibliography

Index